Geology and exploration

Drill Core Library

The Geological Survey of Victoria’s (GSV) Drill Core Library contains over 18,000 bores, wells and drill holes representing approximately 1.5 million metres of drill core/cuttings from across Victoria.

Located in Werribee, the growing collection is an invaluable geoscientific asset that allows rock and mineral samples to be studied and reanalysed at minimal/no extra cost or impact to the earth.

Submit drill core samples

The physical samples are a valuable resource which:

  • improve exploration targeting and reduce risk for minerals, energy and extractive projects
  • improve groundwater modelling and evaluation for government, industry and the community
  • reduce cost and risk for government and the construction industry by centralising and preserving geotechnical/infrastructure drilling, and
  • enable applied geoscience research and the generation of new data and knowledge by government, industry and universities.

About the Drill Core Library

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The collection includes:

  • minerals drill holes
  • petroleum wells
  • groundwater bores
  • government stratigraphic and co-funded industry drilling
  • geotechnical/infrastructure drilling
  • extractive drill holes
  • coal bore holes
  • geothermal drill holes
  • rock samples from government mapping programs
  • hardcopy reports and maps.

Drill core is an important asset for exploration in Victoria because representative drill holes increase efficiency and decrease costs.

Use the GeoVic mapping tool to view the locations of drill holes, bores and wells with representative samples that have been collected from around Victoria. The contents of the Drill Core Library are constantly being updated as new data is identified and new drill holes arrive.

We keep information on drill holes, bores and other geological sites. This includes locations; depths; drill logs; and if drill core, drill cuttings or other rock sample types exist.

  • If the database records the existence of the samples you require, they will be located at the Drill Core Library. You need to make an appointment to inspect them.
  • Under legislation, drilling samples are kept confidential until their release for public viewing.
  • GSV actively collects petroleum core and cuttings according to the requirements of the relevant Petroleum Acts and Petroleum Submerged Lands Acts. GSV also collects representative samples from mineral exploration conducted under the Minerals Resources (Sustainable Development) Act (PDF).
  • Rock specimens from offshore drilling beyond the three nautical mile zone, i.e. in Commonwealth Waters, have been moved to the National Offshore Petroleum Data and Core Repository Perth Core Library, Western Australia.

Find out more about GeoVic.

Public visits and drill core sample deliveries are by appointment only.

  • GSV requires all associated metadata and analytical data to maximise the value of the drilling samples. The report will be kept confidential, as specified by the relevant legislation. Find out how to submit a drill core samples.
  • The GSV reserves the right to refuse sampling. For instance, if there is a lack of representative sample remaining.
  • Please note that the sample examination area is not heated or air-conditioned so please dress accordingly. Safety boots are recommended, enclosed footwear is required.
  • Equipment on site is only operated by qualified GSV employees.
  • Brief site induction to be completed on arrival.

Location

The Drill Core Library is located at 18 South Road (via Sneydes Road), Werribee, about 40 minutes’ drive from Melbourne's CBD. Limited onsite parking is available.

Contact us

Public visits and drill core sample deliveries are by appointment only.

To visit the Drill Core Library, or to arrange for sample delivery, please email gsv.drillcorelibrary@deeca.vic.gov.au or phone 0417 407 256.

For petroleum enquiries please contact Energy Data (Geological Survey of Victoria) energy.data@deeca.vic.gov.au

Page last updated: 09 Aug 2024